Now that I'm zooming closer and closer to the 4-0 mark, I've started to pay more attention to ladies of similar age group. I pounce on friends, raid their wardrobes and pick their brains about their fashion sense. Thankfully, I've got very good-natured friends who are happy to accommodate my requests.

I live in England where it's cold AND wet 295 days of the year. While I could only gaze in admiration at the teeny tiny shorts on many bloggers that I adore, it would have an adverse effect on the general public and I, should I ever attempt to wear them out. One, I would stop traffic and cause a horrific crash along the main road as I go about my usual school run. Not for the right reasons, of course. Cellulite, stubby legs and denim shorts do not complement each other the way crepes and Nutella do. Secondly, I would freeze into an ice block before I arrived at the school gate.

I've long admired Sandrine's style. She's a Parisian transplant who still adopts the French way of dressing. You may remember her when I interviewed her here. She's a bargain hunter, doesn't follow trends, wears minimal make up, has a small closet and only buys what she truly loves.

"I didn't buy it because it's a Barbour jacket. It would've be an unknown brand but I bought it because I love it and it has a nice finish. Some of my clothes are from quite a few years back. I'm happy in them so I still wear the clothes. I don't have a big collection of clothes because I've never ever had a big wardrobe. I'm frugal but I like quality, shape and texture."

We sat down over lunch that she'd prepared, along with another friend while we discussed about the different sartorial trends in the countries we've lived in - England, France, U.S, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Korea.We giggled over gang-nam style that has infiltrated the world and marveled about escort service for women in Seoul. Ahh... the things we discuss....

Love all the caption and the way you write your post it makes me smile here. I truly believe in every word that she says. It's really important to buy what you really want, depends whether it's a designer or not. Everybody has a choice.

Love how cool her outfit is. On most days I'm just like that minus the boots and the jacket or I'll sweat from top to bottom here.:)

Love that Barbour jacket - it has great detailing. She looks simple chic in your photos. I keep trying to have her enviable streamlined approach to my wardrobe but I've recently realized that I'm a "collector" when it comes to clothes and often keep certain pieces more for an emotional attatchment than any real use. I need a bigger closet.....

To tell you the truth, i had no idea what Parisian chic's style was until i started reading your blog . I have to say i admire such minimalist looks with an edge which hopefully i can adopt and adapt to fit my style as i am getting older. Liie her, i am not necessarily "all about brand" customers - i buy what i like regardless of the brand.

I would probably stop wearing shorts at 35 so better hurry now before those cellulite and spider viens take over my legs...sigh. All signs of glory, right?

love both of your outfits! i'm wearing almost the same outfit as the first outfit today ;) i love utility jackets! they are perfect especially for rainy days! btw...i'm glad to see that south korea made it to the sartorial list!!

I loved her comment on buying something because she loves it. Actually had a recent discussion about the state of fashion and its (current) disposable nature so this is quite refreshing :) You have such lovely friends! x

She has really great style. I love that she is thinking of fashion as being practical and what she likes rather than buying for a label, trends or what others like. The gangnam reference made me laugh. It's everywhere here too even on cupcakes!